Meet Linfield’s new M.S. in business cohort
The newest Master of Science in business cohort started class in August 2025, bringing diverse academic backgrounds, professional experiences and passions. From Salem to San Jose, these students are preparing to make an impact in business, athletics and beyond. Linfield’s unique graduate-level business program will help them through specific tracks and coursework in sport leadership and design and innovation.
Student spotlights
Katie Putnam
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Exercise Science
Key strengths: Detail‑oriented, strong work ethic, loyal, willing to learn — “I may not know how to do this task yet, but I'm willing to learn.”
Excited to learn new leadership skills and participate in the international capstone project.
Goals: Earn her master’s degree while balancing three campus jobs; become a Director of Football Operations at a DI institution or in the NFL; inspire younger children as a person with Autism.
Casey Struckmeier
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Undergraduate studies: Business Management
Key strengths: “I am a great communicator… very outgoing… I enjoy challenges and overcoming objections.”
Excited to learn the psychology of successful business people and how to apply it personally.
Goals:
Short‑term: Graduate while playing baseball, continue education in physical training, study U.S. history, and explore commercial real estate.
Long‑term: Become an entrepreneurial family man, build a business from scratch, and invest in commercial real estate.
Kaanan Huffman
Hometown: West Linn, OR
Undergraduate studies: Business Administration
Key strengths: Leadership, teamwork, communication, problem‑solving
Excited to develop leadership skills to one day lead an effective team that improves his community.
Goals: Graduate, meet new people, and gain new experiences and knowledge.
Gavin Dalziel
Hometown: Brier, WA
Undergraduate studies: Exercise Science and Education
Key strengths: Leadership, adaptability, relationship‑building, teamwork, resource management
Excited to dive into a new academic field and develop business skills.
Goals: Strengthen leadership and management skills for physical education settings, build organizational and communication skills, and eventually step into roles such as Athletic Director.
Emilee Miller
Hometown: Beaverton, OR
Undergraduate studies: Economics and Marketing
Key strengths: Fairness, prudence, honesty, kindness, love
Excited to strengthen undergrad‑developed skills and learn from diverse perspectives.
Goals: Further education, connect with industry professionals, and apply advanced skills to stand out in the sports business industry.
David Monfort
Hometown: San Jose, California
Undergraduate studies: Business Management, minor in Communication Arts
Key strengths: Creativity, attention to detail, passion, humor, friendliness, fast learning, self‑starter
Excited to deepen disruptive innovation skills and learn from professors and guest speakers.
Goals: Complete fellowship project Hanno (solar‑powered USV), lead development of Wogwon (interactive dating app), and continue innovating with organizations that value groundbreaking development.
Mary Huber
Hometown: Amity, OR
Undergraduate studies: Project Management; minor in Computer Information Systems
Key strengths: Honesty, humor, fairness, humility, perseverance
Excited to deepen leadership and business skills and learn from real‑world case studies.
Goals: Pursue a leadership role in a sports organization (NCAA or WNBA) to guide teams, manage programs, and contribute to organizational growth.
What they bring
This year’s cohort includes graduates in exercise science, business, economics, education and marketing. They describe themselves as detail-oriented, communicative, collaborative and committed to fairness and kindness. Many have backgrounds in teaching, coaching and leadership.
What excites them
Students are eager to strengthen their leadership skills, explore the psychology of successful organizations and build on the tools they gained during their undergraduate years. They are enthusiastic about diving into new academic fields, broadening their career horizons and creating connections with peers and faculty.
Where they’re headed
Individual goals vary from advancing careers in sport leadership to launching new ventures and making meaningful professional connections. However, they all share a commitment to growth and impact. Earning an M.S. in business at Linfield is the next step in their journey to leading with purpose.